Silk thread making in Jharkhand is deeply rooted in the state’s tribal traditions and natural environment. Jharkhand is one of India’s leading producers of Tasar silk, a type of wild silk known for its rich texture and natural golden hue.
This silk is derived from the Antheraea mylitta silkworm, which thrives in the forests of the region and feeds primarily on native trees such as Asan and Arjun.
The practice of rearing these silkworms, known as sericulture, is a vital livelihood activity for many tribal communities, including the Santhals, Oraons and Mundas.
The process begins with the rearing of silkworms in forested areas. Tribal families, often led by women, manage the rearing process, allowing the worms to spin their cocoons in a semi-wild environment.
After about a month, the cocoons are harvested and taken to nearby processing centres or cooperative societies. The next step involves boiling the cocoons to soften the sericin, the natural gum that holds the silk filaments together.
Once softened, the silk filaments are carefully unwound or 'reeled into raw silk threads. In most cases, this is done manually or with simple reeling machines, which maintain the artisanal quality of the silk.
Following reeling, the threads are twisted to form yarns.
These yarns may then be dyed, either with natural dyes or chemical ones, depending on the end use. While many parts of Jharkhand focus on raw silk production, some clusters also engage in weaving, producing beautiful handloom Tasar silk fabrics.
These fabrics are often supplied to weavers and designers in other states, particularly in West Bengal.
The economic significance of Tasar silk in Jharkhand is substantial. It not only provides income to thousands of rural families but also empowers women and supports traditional ecological knowledge.